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(English) Alex: Localised Scleroderma

(Italiano) Alex: Sclerodermia Localizzata

I am a thirty-four-year-old woman, and I have been suffering from localized morphea scleroderma for about twenty years.

The disease initially started with a very small mark on my right thigh that seemed to be a bruise. Then the lesion changed its appearance and extended along the entire leg. Meanwhile, a small mark also appeared on my face, which was almost certainly another manifestation of the same disease. I went to see various specialists, almost all of whom agreed on the diagnosis and on the impossibility of an ad hoc therapy, explaining to me that the real cause of the disease is unknown, along with its treatment. They suggested I try various treatments that have not been of much benefit apart from softening the skin.

I had a series of immunological tests performed (including antinuclear antibodies) to check if this was a systemic form of scleroderma. Fortunately, these tests were all negative.

Now, having read the information on sclero.org, I am no longer sure that these results completely rule out the more serious form of this disease. For the record, I also suffer from celiac disease.

*Editorial note by Dr. Magdalena Dziadzio and Dr. Mario Gismondi: From the data currently available, there is no evidence that the localized form of scleroderma can turn into the systemic disease.

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This Story is Featured in Voices of Scleroderma Volume 1

The story on this page is featured in the top-notch Voices of Scleroderma Volume 1 which features articles by top scleroderma experts, including Dr. Joseph Korn, as well as 100 true patient and caregiver stories from this website! The book delivers excellent information and support for scleroderma patients and caregivers. It's a great way to inform family and friends about scleroderma, too!

ISN Translator: Kevin Howell

Kevin Howell is the ISN Translator (Italian to English) for this story. He is a Clinical Scientist for Professor Black at the Royal Free Hospital in London.

ISN Story Editor: Judith Thompson Devlin

Judith Thompson Devlin is the ISN Story Editor for this story. She is also lead editor of the ISN's wonderful Voices of Scleroderma book series!

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